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Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

Hamilton Beach 31401 vs Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven. A comparison between a small-sized, energy-saving toaster oven and the best medium-sized unit.

By , , , and ·Updated

Hamilton Beach 31401

Cuisinart TOA-60

Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design25% Usability25% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 25%Design 25%Usability Cuisinart TOA-60Hamilton Beach 314018.48.79.27.14.65.13.64.6
Showing: 2/2 Items

In the battle of performance, the Cuisinart TOA-60 was the clear winner. The oven’s steady and stable temperature, combined with a strong convection system, consistently produced excellent results. Its power draw of 1800 W and six nichrome heating elements are two of its other prominent features.

On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach 31401 performed well solely at making toast. It was the only test where the food attains an even surface color despite the absence of a convection system in the oven.

Its weaknesses showed through the processes of baking pizza, roasting a whole chicken, and baking french fries. The oven has 2 quartz heating elements running on 1200 Watts of power which save energy and are suitable for the oven’s small size. However, this specification causes the oven to under-perform for dishes that require a long cooking time and/or a high temperature.

Although both ovens have a simple design, the Cuisinart’s is also equipped with a slide-out crumb tray and an interior light. In addition to their 100% analog control, each oven brings something unique to the table: The Hamilton has a stay-on function while the Cuisinart can cover an extra cooking method with its air fryer basket.

The Hamilton Beach 31401 is for you if you’re looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, small-sized, energy-saving toaster oven for one to two people. The Cuisinart TOA-60 is more suitable for someone looking for a robust, high-quality, and high-performing medium-sized convection toaster oven.

Pros & Cons

  • Lightweight and small size
  • Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
  • Cool-touch door handle
  • Simple control knobs
  • Stay-on feature
  • Quartz heating elements have safeguards
  • Energy-saving
  • Simple and straight-to-the-point control knobs
  • Sturdy design and durable material
  • Convection fan is all-applicable
  • Electrical safety feature for the door
  • Convenient slide-out crumb tray
  • Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
  • Plenty of recipes included in the user manual
  • No convection fan
  • No internal lighting
  • No safety mechanism for the door
  • Opening the door also turns off the light
  • A bit heavier and taller than other same-type ovens
  • Not very budget-friendly

Key Specs

Dimensions
L14.96 x W12.2 x H8.5 inches
L16.34 x W15.16 x H13.58 inches
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
21.0 lbs (9.5 kg)
Control Type
3 control knobs
4 control knobs
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
200°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
1 - 60 minutes
Cooking Functions
3
5

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$58.77
$235.00

*You help support HealthyKitchen101's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
5.1
8.7

Toast

7.7
8.1
From left to right, 24 pieces of toast for the top and bottom of three toast levels including lighter, medium, and darker.
On the left: 2m 30s; In the middle: 4m 15s; On the right: 5m 55s
From left to right, 24 pieces of toast for the top and bottom of three toast levels including lighter, medium, and darker.
The top and bottom of the best four pieces of toast from the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven.
On the left are the top and bottom of four pieces of toast from the first batch, and on the right are from the second batch.
From left to right, 24 pieces of toast for three toast levels including lighter, medium, and darker. On the upper row are the top sides, and on the lower row are the bottom sides of the toast.
On the left: 2m 30s; In the middle: 4m; On the right: 5m
From left to right, 24 pieces of toast for three toast levels including lighter, medium, and darker. On the upper row are the top sides, and on the lower row are the bottom sides of the toast.
The best four pieces of toast from the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer. On the left are the top sides, and on the right are the bottom sides of the toast.
On the left are four pieces of toast from the first batch, and on the right are from the second batch. On the upper row are the top sides, and on the lower row are the bottom sides.
Function
Toast
Toast
Number of Slices
4
4
Toast Level
Medium
1/2 Medium
Cooking Time
4m 15s
4 m
Second Batch
4m 15s
4 m
Convection
No
Low (default)

Pizza

5.5
9.6
A toaster oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top inside a baking pan.
A toaster oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top inside a baking pan.
The cross surface of a slice of toast oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers.
Two hands break apart a slice of pizza with melty cheese, meat, and green bell peppers on top baked using a toaster oven.
A toaster oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top. The pizza is inside a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
A toaster oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top. The pizza is inside a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
The cross-section of a toaster oven baked pizza slice showing the pizza crust. In the background is a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top inside a grooved silver baking tray.
Two hands break apart a slice of baked pizza using a toaster oven with melty cheese, meat, and green bell peppers on top. In the background is a pizza on top of a grooved baking tray.
Function
Bake
Bake with high convection
Temperature
 450°F
450°F
Cooking Time
10m 30s
3m 30s
Convection
 No
High

Whole Roasted Chicken

1.0
8.6
A whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a baking rack and baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a baking rack and baking pan on a white background.
A tray of whole toaster oven roasted chicken. The thermometer has two probes inside the chicken and both display 176°F.
Seven pieces of a carved chicken including a carcass, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on a silver baking pan.
The chicken thigh meat is still pink. In the white background is the rest of the roasted chicken on a baking pan.
A golden brown whole roasted chicken using a toaster oven on a white background. The chicken is spread out and back-side up inside an air fryer basket with a silver baking pan below.
A golden brown whole roasted chicken using a toaster oven on a white background. The chicken is spread out and back-side up inside an air fryer basket with a silver baking pan below.
A tray of whole toaster oven roasted chicken. The thermometer has two probes inside the chicken and displays 205°F and 207°F.
The golden brown roasted whole chicken is carved into seven pieces inside an air fryer basket with a silver baking pan below. There’s a carcass, two breast pieces, two wings, and two thighs.
Two fingers holding a juicy chicken thigh roasted in a toaster oven. The skin is golden brown and the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Function
Rotisserie
Bake with high convection
Temperature
350°F
350°F
Cooking Time
1h 30m
50m
Convection
No
Yes

Baked French Fries

4.0
9.2
Pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Six pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a silver baking pan.
Pieces of golden baked french fries using a toaster oven inside a stainless steel air fryer basket on a grey background.
Pieces of golden baked french fries using a toaster oven inside a stainless steel air fryer basket on a grey background.
A closeup of pieces of golden baked french fries using a toaster oven inside a stainless steel air fryer basket on a grey background.
Pieces of golden baked french fries using a toaster oven. Nine pieces of broken-up fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries inside an air fryer basket.
Function
Bake
Bake with high convection
Temperature
400°F
400°F
Cooking Time
30 m
12m
Convection
No
High

Design

Overall Design Scoring
3.6
9.2

In the Box

An oven rack, a user manual, the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven, a box, and a baking pan.
Top to bottom and left to right are a baking rack, baking pan, three documents, the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer, and a box.

Exterior

4.0
9.0
A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right has holes.
The back and left sides of the Hamilton Beach 31401 have air ventilation holes. The back has a power cord and one buffer.
The top of the stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
On a grey background, the bottom of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven has four stands and holes.
A closed front of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a white background. The exterior is 16.34 inches long, 15.16 inches wide, and 13.58 inches high.
A closed front of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a white background. The exterior is 16.34 inches long, 15.16 inches wide, and 13.58 inches high.
The front and the right sides of a closed Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a white background. The control panel is in the front. The right side has air ventilation holes.
On a white background, the back and the left sides of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer both have air ventilation holes. The back side has two black buffers.
On a white background, the top of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer. In the front are the door handle and the control panel with four control knobs.
On a white background, the bottom of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer has four base stands and two carrying handles on the sides.
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
21.0 lbs (9.5 kg)
Length
15.0" (38.0 cm)
16.3" (41.5 cm)
Width
12.2" (31.0 cm)
15.2" (38.5 cm)
Height
8.5" (21.6 cm)
13.6" (34.5 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Color
Silver
Silver
Door Handle
cool-touch
Cool-touch
Tray Indicators
No
No
Crumb Tray
Removable
Slide-out

Control Panel

The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
From left to right, the control panel of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer has four control dials for on/oven timer, temperature, function, on/toast timer, and a light toggle.
Type
3 control knobs
4 control knobs
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
200°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
1 - 60 minutes
Indicator Light
Yes
Yes
Status Bar
No
No
Light Toggle
No
Yes
Convection Toggle
No
No
Rotation Toggle
No
No
Automatic Preheat
No
No
Audio Cues
No
No

Cooking Functions

The function knob of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 cooking functions including Broil, Toast, and Bake.
From left to right, the control panel of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer has four control dials for on/oven timer, temperature, function, on/toast timer, and a light toggle.

Interior

1.0
9.5
The Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 2 guide rails.
The Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 2 guide rails.
The bottom quartz heating element with guard and 2 rails on the left wall of the Hamilton Beach 31401’s cooking chamber.
The cooking chamber ceiling of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven has a convection fan cavity and four nichrome heating elements. The cooking chamber also has a safety hook on the left and interior light on the right.
The cooking chamber ceiling of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven has a convection fan cavity and four nichrome heating elements. The cooking chamber also has a safety hook on the left and interior light on the right.
The cooking chamber ceiling of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven has two bottom nichrome heating elements. The cooking chamber has two guide rails with a safety hook on the left.
The cooking chamber ceiling of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven has a convection fan cavity and four nichrome heating elements. The cooking chamber also has a safety hook on the left for the upper guide rail.
Heating Elements
2 quartz
6 nichrome
Convection Fan
No
Yes
Lighting
No
Yes
Tray Levels
2
2
Rotisserie
No
No
Safety Hook
No
Tray Level 2

Power Cord

A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven.
A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer.
Length
29.9" (76.0 cm)
29.5" (75.0 cm)
Type
2-prong plug
2-prong plug
Power
1200 W
1800 W
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120 V ~ 60 Hz

Accessories

A stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
A stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
Some burnt bits on the stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven on a grey background.
A stainless steel baking rack of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a white background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
12.6" (32.0 cm)
Width
8.8" (22.3 cm)
11.0" (27.9 cm)
Height
0.9" (2.3 cm)
0.9" (2.4 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Build Quality

5.0
9.0
The front of an opened Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven with a silver baking pan and a stainless steel oven rack.
The front of an opened Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a white background. From the bottom up are one baking rack, one baking pan, and an air fryer basket.

Capacity

An opened front of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
An opened front of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a white background. The cooking chamber is 12.59 inches long, 11.4 inches wide, and 7.08 inches high.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
12.6" (32.0 cm)
Width
9.4" (24.0 cm)
11.4" (29.0 cm)
Height
7.1" (18.0 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.6
7.1

User Control

7.0
7.0

Ease of Use

3.0
7.0
Cuisinart TOA-60 Ease of Use Video
Cuisinart TOA-60 Ease of Use Video 1

Cleanability

5.0
7.5
Caramelized bits on the upper heating element’s guard and stains on the cooking chamber ceiling of the Hamilton Beach 31401.
Caramelized bits on the upper heating element’s guard and stains on the cooking chamber ceiling of the Hamilton Beach 31401.
Washing the cooking chamber of the stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with dish soap.
Grease and chicken skin stuck to the silver baking pan of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven.
Brushing the stained silver baking pan of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven with a bowl of baking soda and water.
Caramelized meat juice and grease on the silver baking pan of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a grey background.
Caramelized meat juice and grease on the silver baking pan of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer on a grey background.
On a grey background, one hand brushing the silver baking pan of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer with baking soda and water, the other holding a spray bottle of vinegar and water.
A hand brushing the stained upper heating elements’ ends inside the cooking chamber of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer with baking soda and water.

Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Alan Nguyen
Alan NguyenReviewer

Alan Nguyen is a writer and product reviewer at HealthyKitchen101. His major in English language teaching taught him to present concise information. In addition to his cooking hobby, he values the practical aspects of household appliances.

Headshot of Lap Vo
Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.

Headshot of Tuyet Pham
Tuyet PhamProfessional Chef

Tuyet Pham is an award-winning Saigonese chef passionate about delicious and healthful foods. At HealthyKitchen101, she develops recipes and collaborates with our Research, Testing, and Review lab to evaluate the performance of cooking appliances. Her assessments add a strong authoritative voice to our product scoring process.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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